Thursday evening, May 25th, at Mattos Field, saw a close contest between our 2006 Indians and the CALL's leading major team, the Orioles. The starting pitchers were Chris Condeff for the Indians and Adam Rios for the Orioles.

The first inning ended in a tie-each team putting the ball in play, but the only scoring was from runners advanced on passed balls. Steve Johnsen scored the Indian's first run. After a double, Steve took 3rd base on Ryan Ghaith's sacrifice and then stole home on a wild pitch. Score: 1-1 tie.

In the second inning, Adam Rios quieted the Tribe's bats, and the Orioles pulled ahead one run. In the third inning, Adam still dominated and the Orioles' bats generated 4 runs. Score: 6-1 Orioles.

But the fourth inning saw the Indians score 5 runs to pull even. Then Drew Perea relieved Chris, and the Orioles went down 1,2, 3. Score: 6-6 tie.

About the Tribe's fourth inning: Steve Johnsen doubled to deep center, Ryan Ghaith singled, Drew was hit by a pitch, and Zach Ghaith reached first on a fielders choice (Steve out on the force). Then Bridger Johnson brought in the first run with an RBI single, Eric Shively had a two-RBI single, and Dylan Chatterjee's double, a mighty blast to the fence, scored the final two runners.

In the fifth inning, Indians kept the ball in play (a single by Chris and fly balls byRyan and Drew), but no score. Then the Orioles regained the lead with threeruns in the bottom of the inning. Score: 9-6 Orioles.

Yogi Berra's quip it ain't over till it's over proved so true. Top of the sixth and the first three Indians singled-Zach, Bridger, and Eric. Eric's hit scored Zach.Score: 9-7 Orioles.

Then the Oriole's Billy Derose took the mound for damage control. After striking out two Indians, Billy walked Chris Condeff, loading the bases. So with two out, bases loaded, and the winning run on first, Steve Johnsen went the full count...and struck out. Congratulations to the Orioles.

This year's Tribe has a number of talented, young players who should return next year.Check out the 2007 CALL Indians.